Ottawa, August 29, 2017 – Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan), Monday, welcomed the launch of the new federal Student Work-Integrated Learning Program (SWILP), which will help ensure that Canadian college and institute students are equipped with the skills and hands-on work experience needed to find meaningful employment in their chosen fields through 10,000 additional paid student work placements in key industries over the next four years.
Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour, the Honourable Patty Hajdu revealed Monday that the $73-million investment in SWILP, originally announced as part of the Government of Canada’s 2016 Budget, will create 60,000 student work placements over five years, with extra incentives for employers to hire students in underrepresented groups, including first-year students, women in male-dominated industries, Indigenous students, and people with disabilities.
“Work-integrated learning is a key aspect of the college and institute approach to post-secondary education,” said CICan President and CEO Denise Amyot. “Colleges and Institutes Canada welcomes this opportunity for its members to strengthen relationships with industry partners and to ensure that all students are given access to invaluable hands-on work experience.”
Monday’s announcement was the first of five scheduled across the country targeting the biotech, aerospace, environment, IT, and information and communications technology sectors.
About Colleges and Institutes Canada:
Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan) is the voice of Canada’s publicly-supported colleges, institutes, cegeps and polytechnics, and an international leader in education for employment with ongoing programs in over 25 countries. Colleges and institutes add over $190B to Canada’s economy each year and contribute to inclusive economic growth by working with industry and community partners to offer more than 12,000 programs at campuses serving urban, rural, remote, and northern communities.
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For more information:
Julien Abord-Babin
Senior Strategic Communications Officer
Colleges and Institutes Canada
jabord-babin@collegesinstitutes.ca
Tel. : 613-746-2222 ext. 3131
Twitter : @CollegeCan